A Sympathetic Ear

Being Neighbourly x Janet Jones Tsang, The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong

Author/ Being Neighbourly
15 August 2025

To those who might not know, The Samaritans is a non-profit, non-religious organization that provides confidential emotional support to individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or general distress.

Less known is that the Hong Kong chapter was, in fact, The Samaritans’ first international branch, after the founding of The Samaritans in London by Chad Varah, a vicar deeply committed to suicide prevention. In 1958, Andrew Tu, a close friend of Varah, established a suicide prevention service in Hong Kong.

“At that time, Dave Tredrea — a teacher at Mu Kuang School and a former Samaritan volunteer in the UK — played a pivotal role in bringing together a group of like-minded individuals to form an English-speaking support service. This group officially became The Samaritans in 1960,” says Janet Jones Tsang, Chief Executive of The Samaritans Hong Kong, recalling important milestones in the organization’s history.

Today, The Samaritans offer assistance through a variety of channels, including a 24/7 hotline, email, face-to-face meetings and community outreach programs, with a mission to alleviate emotional suffering and promote mental well-being by offering compassionate listening, support and guidance. With coverage of suicides ever-present in the territory’s new outlets, they provide an essential service for those calling the territory home.

While the name ‘Samaritans’ has biblical origins — referring to someone who offers help to those in need without expecting anything in return — Jones Tsang is quick to assert the organization as non-religious, lest its theological-sounding name deters anyone from seeking their help.

“We do not provide religious counselling. Instead, we offer confidential emotional support to anyone in distress, regardless of their beliefs, background or identity… The core of our service is to provide a safe space where callers can speak openly about whatever is on their mind, without fear of judgment.”

It is, Jones Tsang says, for reasons of commitment to confidentiality, that they do not collect or ask for personal information during calls, and do not record incoming numbers; and as a result, they do not have data on specific demographic profiles of at-risk individuals.

What she does say is that callers reach out to them about a wide range of issues that are causing them distress or suicidal feelings. Common themes include loneliness, relationship problems, work or academic pressure, mental health struggles, family conflicts and financial concerns.

“Our counselling approach is rooted in compassionate listening,” she elaborates, adding that they aim to alleviate emotional suffering by offering a safe, non-judgmental space where callers can freely express their thoughts and emotions. “Our service is built on the principles of empathy, respect and active listening, rather than any single formal therapeutic model.”

In terms of operations, The Samaritans do not employ paid staff. Their hotline is operated entirely by unpaid, trained volunteers who provide 24-hour multilingual support.

“Our volunteers go through a structured process of selection, training, mentoring and ongoing support, all facilitated by more experienced volunteers and guided by professional experts, when necessary.”

According to the CEO, the demand for their services has remained relatively stable over the years, even as more suicide prevention hotlines have become available in Hong Kong. This suggests that there is still a strong need for accessible, non-judgmental emotional support.

She says that the combined impact of the pandemic, political tensions and economic challenges has increased mental health stress in Hong Kong. “While overall suicide rates remained relatively stable, certain groups, such as women and older adults, saw increases. Social isolation, job loss, anxiety and prolonged uncertainty have contributed to emotional distress.”

And yet, while suicide rates in Hong Kong are the highest they have been since 2003, suicide rates in the territory have generally been lower than the global average in recent years, according to WHO data. “However, suicide remains a significant public health concern, particularly among older adults and certain vulnerable groups.”

“We welcome all individuals, including those from diverse or non-religious backgrounds. While our founding was inspired by Christian principles, our services today are fully inclusive and aligned with the needs of an increasingly secular and diverse society.”

“We are committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring complete anonymity for all individuals who reach out.”

What is the best thing about the work that you do?

“I would rather use the word ‘satisfying’. As a volunteer I am always prepared for a caller who may be in immediate danger and require my listening skills,” says Janet Jones Tsang, Chief Executive of The Samaritans Hong Kong.

“I will give them time to share as much or as little about themselves as they choose. By giving the caller space to think, I can support them no matter what their decisions may be.

“After a long and perhaps intense call, just a simple word of thanks and a noticeable change in the callers tone of voice can give me a sense of satisfaction.”

“Not all our work is that intense. For some callers, we are a “Befriending” service for those who just need a friendly voice and a listening ear and we are there for them too. Volunteering for a suicide prevention hotline can be rewarding but probably not in the way that most people would imagine.”

The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong
Unit 1. Blk B, 3/F Shiu Tin House, Pak Tan Estate, Kowloon.